Bahrain Air, the second national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, announced the start of direct flights to the commercial capital of Turkey, Istanbul.
Bahrain Air will operate four flights a week this summer season to Istanbul’s Sabiha Gokcen International Airport on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays taking off at convenient timings for both leisure and business travelers.
The inaugural flight BN 482 departed from Bahrain International Airport on schedule at 12.00 noon on Friday 1 July and landed in Istanbul at 13.50 hours local time.
A high level Turkish delegation received flight BN 482 on arrival at the Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport which included Sabiha Gokcen International Airport Chief Commercial Officer, Server Aydin and Chief Executive Officer, Gokhan Bugday. The group welcomed the Bahrain Air delegation comprising of Ibrahim Abdulla AlHamer, Bahrain Air’s Managing Director and Richard Nuttall, Director Commercial Operations at Bahrain Air.
“We are delighted to launch flights from Bahrain to Istanbul, where we have received such a warm welcome. Not only will the route provide a boost to tourism in Bahrain and Turkey, but it will also support the growing commercial ties between the two countries. We anticipate this route will enhance the existing passenger and cargo load capacity between the two countries and boost bilateral trade,” Ibrahim Abdulla AlHamer, said.
Last year Turkey-Bahrain trade volume surged to $244 million, up from $150 million in 2009. Istanbul has also become a popular tourist destination for GCC travelers with its breathtaking natural beauty, unique historical and archaeological sites, hotel and touristic infrastructure, medical and health tourism and a tradition of hospitality.
The new route will also provide convenient onward connections to some of the well-established destinations that Bahrain Air services – in particular, Dubai and the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.
Bahrain Air operates a two-class Airbus A320 to Istanbul, configured to carry 156 passengers with 12 seats in the Business Premium class and 144 in economy class.
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